Background:

Tapuwae Roa (formerly Te Putea Whakatupu Trust), has a mission to support up-and-coming Māori leaders. The organisation required a launch pad for their new leadership program He Tukutuku Koiora. The governance training program provides a pathway for Māori people to enter into governance roles within Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Challenges:

A hybrid summit with an audience in-person and online, was chosen as the best format to host the event; and so, a myriad of integrated skills and technologies were required to ensure the event was a success.

Solutions:

Tapuwae Roa appointed business events agency Auaha (now known as Arinex) to spearhead the event delivery. Collaboration between the two organisations was essential, with the host electing to maintain ownership of marketing activities. A project plan considering the unique dynamic of the partnership was developed factoring in key dates, milestones with key messages developed and responsibilities allocated; this ensured the marketing plan was seamlessly designed and executed in full complement and cohesion with the conference logistics planning. Particular care also went into planning the virtual experience, given the majority of attendees would attend online; this included an impressive stage set design and theming and online engagement tactics.

Outcome:

More than 830 people attended the inaugural event, representing a 137% increase on the highest attendee estimate. The launch of the governance training program was inundated with applicants, receiving more than 100 applications for the 8 positions available. The Summit has provided a lasting reputational impact for Tapuwae Roa, which is now recognised as the country’s leading authority for Māori leadership development.

NB In May 2024, Auaha was acquired by Arinex.